Skincare · vitamin c ·Nov 14, 2025

Vegan Collagen vs. Collagen Peptides: What’s the Difference?

by Mark Robertson

With so many different collagen products available now it’s important to know what to look for when choosing a supplement. Whether it’s plant-based “vegan collagen” or collagen peptides, understanding what they are and how they work is key. In this article we’re pitching vegan collagen vs. collagen peptides to find out what their differences are.

What is “vegan collagen”?

The term “vegan collagen” is really a misnomer because there’s no such thing as vegan collagen. All collagen supplements are animal derived, usually from beef, pork, chicken, or fish.

However, collagen production begins with the formation of procollagen, a precursor molecule made up of amino acids. Various enzymes modify the procollagen to create collagen molecules that become part of hair, skin, nails, bones, and other connective tissue.

The plant-based alternatives known as “vegan collagen” supply the nutrients your body needs to make its own procollagen and collagen. These include the amino acids l-lysine, l-proline, and glycine, plus vitamin C and zinc.

What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are short chains of protein. If you imagine protein looks like a long necklace made up of individual beads (i.e. amino acids), then a peptide is a small section of that necklace.

Most collagen supplements use hydrolysed collagen, a type of collagen that has already been broken down into small peptides to aid absorption.

Vegan collagen vs collagen peptides: how they work

Collagen peptides and plant-based collagen alternatives work in different ways.

Collagen peptides provide small chains of collagen protein. These chains are broken down into the constituent amino acids in your digestive system, ready to be rebuilt as collagen or used for other purposes.

Plant-based collagen alternatives provide the nutrients your body needs to manufacture its own procollagen and collagen. They usually include the amino acid building blocks of collagen, plus co-factor vitamins and minerals that support enzyme activity and collagen formation. It’s a way of stimulating your own collagen production by providing all the right raw ingredients that can so often be lacking in our diets.

Ingredients to look for in vegan collagen products

A good quality vegan alternative to regular collagen may include:

L-lysine, l-proline, and glycine, the amino acid building blocks of collagen.

Vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for the function of bones, skin, and other connective tissues [1].

Zinc which contributes to normal protein synthesis and the maintenance of hair, skin, and nails [1].

Hyaluronic acid to aid moisture retention in the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles [2].

Antioxidant nutrients like vitamin A which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, and vitamin E which helps protect cells from oxidative stress [1].

Supplement stacking for hair, skin, and nail health

For even more hair, skin, and nail support, stack your vegan collagen supplement with other beneficial nutrients. We recommend Vegan Omega-3, Acerola Vitamin C, and our comprehensive Ethical Multivitamin.

Be sure to optimise dietary protein too, to ensure a steady supply of protein-building amino acids. Tofu, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, and pulses are all great sources of vegan protein, while vegetarians can also enjoy eggs, yoghurt, milk, cheese, and cottage cheese.

FAQs

Is collagen vegan?

Collagen is only found in humans and animals. Most collagen supplements are derived from fish, beef, pork, or chicken, so they are not vegan.

Is marine collagen vegan?

No, marine collagen is made from fish so it is unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Does vegan collagen work as well as collagen peptides?

Plant-based collagen alternatives support connective tissue health, but in a different way to collagen peptides so it’s not possible to make a direct comparison.

Collagen peptides are broken down into their constituent amino acids in the digestive system, ready for your body to use in connective tissues, while vegan collagen supplements supply these same amino acids alongside the nutrients your body needs to build it’s own collagen.

Plant-based collagen vs collagen peptides — which is better for skin?

When it comes to skin health, plant-based collagen alternatives like our Vegan Collagen Factors offer several advantages over collagen peptides:

Our Vegan Collagen Factors includes vitamins A, C, and E, and hyaluronic acid – nutrients with proven benefits for skin health.

Marine and bovine collagen can be contaminated in the supply chain and carry a greater risk of adverse reactions. Because Vegan Collagen Factors is created in a controlled environment, these risks are minimised.

Plant-based collagen alternatives are cruelty-free and eco-friendly, so you can take your supplement with a clear conscience.

How long until I see results?

This will differ for each person, depending on your age, health, and nutritional status. Because it takes at least a month for new skin cells to form and several months for new hair and nail growth we recommend taking Vegan Collagen Factors for at least 3 months to start seeing results.

Any side effects or interactions?

When taken as directed our Vegan Collagen Factors are well tolerated with minimal risk of side effects. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider if you wish to use it alongside any prescription medication.

Vegan Collagen Factors is a source of vitamin A and is not suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re combining it with any other supplements that contain vitamin A it’s important to check your total daily intake of this nutrient.

Can I combine vegan collagen with other supplements?

Yes, for optimum skin, hair, nail, and joint health we recommend pairing our Vegan Collagen Factors with Vegan Omega 3, Acerola Vitamin C, and our Ethical Multivitamin formula.

When it comes to collagen support, plant-based alternatives have much more to offer than simple collagen peptides. Amino acids and their co-factor nutrients give your body the ingredients it needs to build and maintain healthy connective tissues – from joints and skin to nails and hair.

Find out more about our Vegan Collagen Factors and stock up on skin and joint health products in our online store today.

The Evidence

Department of Health and Social Care, 2025. Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register [online] Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/great-britain-nutrition-and-health-claims-nhc-register [Accessed 13 Oct 2025].
Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. 2012. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923